DETECTIVES are set to re-investigate a murder case involving a nine-year-old boy who was strangled then dumped in a park 16 years ago.

Lancashire Constabulary is to review the death of Imraan Ismail Vohra who lived at James Street, Preston, who was found dead in Avenham Park on July 13, 1985.

Police intend to interview a dozen witnesses who were children at the time to crack the unsolved case. Detective Superintendent Mick Turner said they had no new leads, but such a review was Lancashire Constabulary policy with serious unsolved crimes. He added that the investigation had never been never closed.

Imraan went missing two days before his death after finishing a game of marbles at Frenchwood Junior School and heading home in the late afternoon. A massive police hunt was launched when he failed to return to James Street that evening, and officers found his naked body deep in undergrowth at the park. He had been sexually assaulted.

Despite his father Ismail making an appeal for information, and a £4,000 reward being offered by The Muslim Society and Preston Council, all detectives' investigations were in vain.

It was said Imraan had confided to friends that a stranger had given him £5 the day before his murder, but this remained unfounded.

Detectives now hope people will come forward who felt unable to do so 16 years ago. Scientists will see if technological advances can open up a new line of inquiry.

Detective Superintendent Mick Turner said: "Although Imraan was murdered more than 16 years ago, his death remains at the forefront of the minds of his family and the community. While the murder remains unsolved, the investigation is not closed. We are currently reviewing certain aspects of the initial enquiry, but I must stress there is no significant new information at this time."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.